This Sweet Chili Chicken is a delicious combination of tender chicken, savory soy sauce, and a kick of sweet chili sauce. With a touch of garlic, ginger, and crunchy vegetables, this dish is full of flavor and texture. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a special family meal, it’s sure to become a favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Sweet Chili Chicken recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. The sweet chili sauce coats the chicken beautifully, adding a slight heat while keeping the chicken tender and juicy. The soy sauce adds a rich umami flavor, while the addition of ginger and garlic gives the dish extra depth. Plus, the vegetables add a fresh crunch that makes every bite more enjoyable. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor!
Ingredient Highlights
Chicken: Chicken breast is used for its lean, tender texture, which works perfectly in this stir-fry dish.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce brings both sweetness and a mild spiciness to the dish, elevating the flavor profile.
Soy Sauce: A little soy sauce adds the perfect amount of savory depth, balancing out the sweetness of the chili sauce.
Garlic and Ginger: These two aromatics bring an incredible fragrance and flavor that infuse the dish with a bit of warmth.
Bell Pepper and Broccoli: These vegetables add both color and texture, creating a satisfying, healthy meal.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Let the Chicken Marinate: Marinating the chicken in the sweet chili and soy sauce mixture for at least 15 minutes ensures it is packed with flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: When cooking the chicken, don’t overcrowd the skillet. This will help the chicken brown properly and cook evenly.
Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh bell pepper and broccoli are key to giving this dish a vibrant, crunchy texture.
Garnish for Extra Flavor: Garnish the dish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a little extra flavor and a pop of color.
How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 7-10 minutes until browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add minced garlic, ginger, bell pepper, and broccoli. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Combine
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour any remaining marinade over it. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving. Serve the Sweet Chili Chicken hot with a side of steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh salad.
Serving Ideas
Pair this Sweet Chili Chicken with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles for a well-rounded meal.
It also goes wonderfully with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad for added crunch.
For an extra kick, serve it with a side of sriracha or sweet chili dipping sauce.
Storage
Leftover Sweet Chili Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work just as well in this recipe. They are a bit more flavorful and juicy, though they may take a bit longer to cook.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more chili flakes or a touch of sriracha to the sauce for more heat.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Chili Chicken is a fantastic dish for anyone who loves the combination of sweet, savory, and a little heat. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for any meal. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or just a fun weeknight dish, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table!
Sweet Chili Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
- 1 bell pepper sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Green onions sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch for 15 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, cook chicken for 7-10 minutes, then set aside.
- Sauté garlic, ginger, bell pepper, and broccoli in the same skillet for 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chicken back to the skillet with remaining marinade, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, then serve.
Notes
- Spice Level: Use a spicier sweet chili sauce or add red pepper flakes if you like more heat.
- Veggie Options: Swap broccoli or bell pepper for snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms.
- Serving Tip: This dish pairs perfectly with jasmine rice, brown rice, or stir-fried noodles.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
